Who among us hasn’t watched ananimeand been utterly floored after watching two characters fall in love? It is because anime has a truly magical way of depicting romance, and the characters go from shy and hesitant to deeply expressive and affectionate within a few episodes itself. Whether they are fighting common foes side by side or bonding over their shared passions,these couples model what it meansto have healthy communication, respect, and teamwork. They are devoted and ever-so-willing to build something together, which simply raises the bar for what real love could be when two people meet halfway.
In many ways, anime shapes our understanding of love from a very young age. Because in these shows, the relationships transform and grow over time, with growth and by seeing the other person become a better version of themselves. Moreover, even though anime idealizes love, it’s always inspiring. These fictional couples become a window to our hopes and dreams. Because this is what love is supposed to be like – patient, pure, and unconditional.
20Inuyasha and Kagome (Inuyasha)
This one evokes some heavy childhood nostalgia for viewers who’ve grown up with the innocent feeling of watching their favorite characters gradually fall in love. Released back in the 2000s,Inuyashais a feel-good romantic adventure set in feudal Japan. On her 15th birthday, Kagome is suddenly pulled from her modern day high school life and plunged into an old well by a demon. In this strange, ancient world she meets the half-demon Inuyasha who mistakes her for someone else and resents her only for them to go on a quest to recover the broken shards of an important jewel. From other love interests to terrifying demons, it is on their difficult journey that Inuyasha and Kagome grow close and fall in love.
19Hiro & Zero Two (Darling in the FRANXX)
There is no arguing on the fact that Japan does dystopian best.Darling in the FRANXXshows a post-apocalyptic world where plants don’t bloom and humanity is nearly extinct. Young soldiers are trained to pilot giant mechas known as FranXX in pairs of two – a boy and a girl. Hiro is an aspiring pilot who meets the mysterious Zero Two one day when he skips class. Apparently, she’s a top pilot known around as the “Partner Killer,” but that doesn’t bother Hiro and the two begin working together. Every duo piloting a FranXX are called “darlings” which is fitting because aromance eventually ensues between our couple. Their relationship becomes proof that love can transform, with Zero Two becoming more human and kind and Hiro having something worth fighting for.
18Winry and Edward (Fullmetal Alchemist)
Edward Elric is a genius alchemist who is on a quest to restore his brother’s body after a failed experiment left him hanging on to nothing but an armored suit. Winry is Edward’s childhood friend and an excellent automail mechanic. She gives all her support to him by repairing his brother’s prosthetic limbs and treating him after every battle when he ends up at her doorstep for a quick tune-up.
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As they grow closer through Ed’s struggles Winry begins to see him as more than family. But Ed’s quite stubborn and dismissive so neither of them really dares to say anything. It takes a near-death experience to make them finally confess their love. Ultimately, theirs was the best slow burn in anime history.
17Ryuji and Taiga (Toradora!)
Picking an age-old trope from romantic comedies where two characters who are actually meant for each other begin spending time together so they can help confess their love to their respective crushes,Toradora!is an adorable little show. Ryuji is a kind high school boy who loves doing household chores regardless of his scary face. And Taiga is an aggressive miniature teen with a big attitude. The two form an unlikely friendship to support each other while winning the affections of other characters they fancy. But let’s be honest, it is actually their chemistry that is undeniably intense. Ryuji and Taiga are polar opposites and they quarrel like infants, but this only leads them to understand each other better and embrace their imperfections.
16Naruto and Hinata (Naruto)
At 10 seasons, this internationally acclaimed anime has to have at least one couple we can ship with pure devotion. It comes in the form of our titular hero and a fellow classmate. Hinata Hyuga has always silently admired Naruto Uzumaki. Her affections first bloomed when Naruto stood by her side in front of nasty bullies when they were a kid but she’s too shy to lay her feelings bare. Besides, it’s not really easy to hold the attention of an aspiring ninja who is scorned for having a demon fox inside of him. It takes him years, but Naruto finally notices Hinata’s feelings. Theirhonesty and undying support for one another builds trustand they prove that love can be inspiring if you allow it. Together, as friends and colleagues, Naruto and Hinata are the very definition of couple goals.
15Usagi Tsukino and Mamoru Chiba (Sailor Moon)
Featuring a subtle enemies-to-lovers trope,Sailor Moonis a classic anime that centers around Usagi, a clumsy teenage girl who unassumingly saves a strange-looking cat one day. The cat tells her it wasn’t a coincidence and that Usagi was destined to become Sailor Moon and protect the Earth from all evil. As the planetary guardian fighting battles, Usagi meets Tuxedo Mast, a mysterious man who often helps her. They form a beautiful connection as the power couple fighting against countless monsters and death itself. They slowly discover that he is Mamoru Chiba, a college student she disliked and often argued with. Despite all the bickering, it is their chemistry and contrasting personalities that make their union fated.
14Vegeta and Bulma (Dragon Ball Z)
Dragon Ball Zmay all be about Goku and his Z warriors fighting against the evil to defend Earth, but the series also has several overarching stories with the most interesting characters. One worth mentioning is the relationship between Vegeta and Bulma. Vegeta is an alien Saiyan prince who comes to Earth with the sole mission of acquiring the magical wish-granting Dragon Balls. He meets Bulma,a brilliant scientist also searching for the same balls. Though they start as enemies and Vegeta tries to defeat Goku and his friends, over time, Bulma’s faith in him softens his princely, fierce heart. Slowly, Vegeta even transforms into a family man. They raise a son together and Vegeta spends most of his time at home, shopping malls, and resorts.
13Izumi and Kyoko (Horimiya)
This recent manga adaptation isn’t your traditional high school romance anime. But instead,Horimiyasubverts all known tropes and slaps us with a story and characters that will have you hooked from the start. Kyoko Hori and Izumi Miyamura are two teens who lead very different lives. Kyoko isn’t a social butterfly. In fact, he is distant for the very reason that he doesn’t want people to see beneath his layers (literally) at all the tattoos and piercings. Izumi, on the other hand, is the quiet, studious, popular girl in school.
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The two don’t have a happening after-school life, but when a chance encounter brings them together, they begin spending all their free time together. They reveal their true personalities and fall for each other. Besides, things between them escalate real quick, which makes for a fun watch.
12Kaguya and Miyuki (Kaguya-sama: Love is War)
Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya are student council president and vice-president respectively at the prestigious Shuchiin Academy. They both secretly harbor feelings for each other but are too arrogant to confess. So instead, they strategize ways and plot detailed schemes to lead the other to admit their love first. Despite being envied by the entire student body for being the perfect couple, their countless plans to actually date backfire. Eventually, the two realize that love cannot be conquered or expressed through tricks but simply by being honest. Filled with exciting encounters, flattering dialogues, and hilarious characters, their story touches on love as something that heals your past, breaks down walls, and brings peace.
11Yato & Hiyori (Noragami)
Noragamiis anaction fantasy anime at its best. It centers around Yato, a minor deity and self-proclaimed “Delivery God,” who is struggling to gain worshippers. Without a single person having heard of him or a shrine dedicated to his name, his dream remains unfulfilled and his partner, fed-up of the slow routine, decides to quit. Lucky for him, an ordinary middle school girl named Hiyori saves him from a car accident. Battered, she survives but her soul remains loose and Yato, for selfish reasons like wanting a new partner, refuses to restore it for her. Though initially annoyed, they form a deep bond. Hiyori teaches Yato about things beyond fame and he guards her against supernatural threats. Their relationship leads to great chemistry, with sparks flying all over.
